Former cutters in Kenya find new livelihoods to end FGM
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In Narok County, Kenya, former female genital mutilation (FGM) cutters are leaving the practice behind and starting businesses to support their families.
Carol Saoli began cutting girls in 1987 and continued for 29 years, earning payment in goats and then cash, up to 1,500 shillings per girl. She stopped in 2016, fearing government crackdown and encouraged by her husband. Now, she makes and sells soap, earning around 5,000 shillings per week and also advocates against FGM.
Leah Lison, located 50 kilometers away in Suswa, also transitioned to business, creating beadwork, baskets, and selling detergents. She earns between 15,000 and 20,000 shillings monthly from these ventures, a change from the 20,000 shillings she previously made cutting six girls a month. Lilian Ngwasee, another reformed cutter, sells maize and beans, earning 10,000 to 15,000 shillings a month, though she faces challenges with limited capital.
These women received training from non-governmental organisations and are now actively campaigning against FGM in their communities. While Kenya outlawed FGM in 2011, prevalence remains high in some areas, currently at 51 percent nationally, down from 78 percent in 2014, but as high as 99 percent in isolated villages. Menja Lemasi, a local champion, praised the women for embracing alternative income and helping to reduce FGM rates.
